Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equivalent nursing degree
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become a licensed registered nurse
Gain clinical nursing experience, preferably in psychiatric or mental health settings
Apply to an accredited Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) graduate program
Complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a PMHNP focus
Finish required advanced coursework in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy
Complete supervised clinical practicum hours in psychiatric-mental health care
Graduate from the PMHNP program
Pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam
Apply for state APRN licensure as a PMHNP
Obtain any required prescriptive authority or controlled substance registration in your state
Maintain licensure and certification through continuing education and renewal requirements